“Our voices count and need to be heard”: Passage East community in Waterford declare victory in telecom mast campaign
Cllr Barry said that the community were aware that the applicants, On Tower Ireland Limited may appeal the planning refusal.
The community in Passage East has declared victory in a campaign to stop the construction of a telecommunications mast in their locality following a campaign spearheaded by local Independent Councillor Declan Barry.
Two public meetings, called by Councillor Barry, were held to discuss the application and subsequently, over 90 submissions were lodged opposing the proposed structure and more than 200 people signed a petition against the planning application. The petition raised concerns about the safety of such telecommunications masts being located close to “homes, schools, and recreational areas” and the lack of consultation with the community.
The planning application, which was submitted by On Tower Ireland Limited, was for an 18-metre multi-user lattice-type telecommunications support structure carrying antenna and dishes enclosed within a 2.4-metre high palisade fenced compound.
Following the community-driven campaign, the Waterford City and County Council Planning Department recently refused planning permission for the 18-metre telecommunications mast.
“It's amazing what can be achieved when a community stands together," Cllr Barry said in reaction to the decision. " I'm so proud of the people of Crooke and Passage East."
The County Council’s refusal was based on the potential for visual impact, creating a traffic hazard and would breach the height elements of the Council’s 2022-2028 Development Plan.
In a statement to Waterford News & Star, Cllr Barry said that more than 220 Passage East residents were in attendance across two public meetings with the consensus that “we should strongly object to this proposal”.
“Some of the concerns raised from the initial public meeting, included visual impact, health concerns and possible devaluation of properties, near the proposed mast,” the Waterford City East Councillor explained, with 92 separate submissions being lodged with the planning department in objection to the plans.
The community went as far as hiring a planning consultant to compile a 15-page submission, on behalf of the community.
Cllr Barry extended a “huge thanks” to everyone who made the donations to fund the hiring of the consultant, crediting the “generosity” and effort put into making the submissions with the ultimate refusal of the planning application.
“As the local Independent Councillor, for this area, I'm proud of the people I represent and delighted to have helped to achieve, such a satisfactory outcome."
He said that the community were aware that the applicants, On Tower Ireland Limited, may appeal the planning refusal but said the community “will cross this bridge, if and when we meet it.” Cllr Barry highlighted the importance that people's voices are heard: “Things cannot be imposed on a community. We are the ones living and raising families, in the area and have been, down through the years. Our voices count and need to be heard. Quality of life is much more important than commercial gains.”
